Canadian Armed Forces help Princeton defend against latest atmospheric river

The Canadian Armed Forces are filling sandbags and building dykes in Princeton ahead of latest atmospheric river forecast to hit on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.

“We’re shoring up our defences,” Princeton Mayor Spencer Coyne said. “Better safe than sorry.”

The army sent more than 30 soldiers to work in Princeton. They arrived from their base in Vernon. Coyne met with soldiers and said they were happy to be there.

“And we’re super excited to have them. It’s a big boost of moral.”

Last week, Coyne sent out a call asking able-bodied people to go down to the firehall and help fill sandbags. Junior B hockey players from the local Princeton Posse team and the 100 Mile House Wranglers have pitched in to help.

Residents are still being invited to help out, particularly those who own trucks are being asked to help deliver sandbags from the firehall, according to a local Facebook page. Several others on the page are inquiring about how to get sludge out of their basement from the previous flooding event.

READ MORE: iN VIDEO: Flooding, mudslides cut off B.C. Interior from Lower Mainland

Some parts of town are already experiencing deficiencies due to recent washouts, and Coyne said those are the biggest priorities.

There will be about one mile of temporary flood barrier set up around the Allison Flats area, he said, which is nearing completion.

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